Potential Pitching Help from Minors for White Sox

Drew Thorpe demonstrated strong performance on Tuesday with Triple-A Buffalo, allowing only one hit and striking out four over five scoreless innings. Recovering from Tommy John surgery, the right-hander is on an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte. Thorpe is a potential option for the Chicago White Sox as they look to their minor league system for pitching depth.

Manager Will Venable expressed confidence in the team’s depth: “There are several guys in the minors ready to help us when needed. We are ensuring that this depth is prepared, especially when there’s a need at the major league level.” The availability and readiness of these players are seen as critical to the team’s success.

Alongside Thorpe, pitchers Noah Schultz and David Sandlin are also considered potential contributors. Schultz, after beginning the season in Charlotte, has fluctuated between the minors and majors. As of September, he boasts a 1.04 ERA over two starts. Similarly, Sandlin has been effective, evidenced by a recent outing where he allowed one earned run over 5 2/3 innings and struck out 11. Director of player development Paul Janish sees both pitchers as being in a position to contribute if necessary.

Thorpe, with a 2.70 ERA and 35 strikeouts across 36 2/3 innings, is regaining form following his surgery. Janish noted, “Drew consistently pitches well, recovers, and returns, demonstrating steady progress.” Thorpe has previously made appearances at various minor league levels, maintaining a 2.55 ERA with the Knights.

Janish explained that evaluating Thorpe’s readiness will depend on both his form and the team’s needs, stressing caution due to his recent surgery. He added, “Everything asked of Drew he’s accomplished, overcoming setbacks like his appendix issue earlier in the year.”

For Schultz, who was a first-round pick in 2022, the transition to major league play involves adapting from his minor league performances. Sandlin has similarly adjusted, finding confidence recently. “It’s all hands on deck now,” Janish mentioned, emphasizing the flexibility required from pitchers to seamlessly transition between starting and relief roles as needed at the major league level.

Janish affirmed the importance of readiness and mental preparation for the minors to contribute on-demand, highlighting versatility in roles. This strategy helps ensure that pitchers like Schultz and Sandlin are adaptable and prepared for whatever role the team requires.